Thursday, December 24, 2009

...one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.Luke 12:15In the late 1700s, the manager of Baltimore's largest hotel refused lodging to a man dressed like a farmer because he was afraid the man's humble appearance would shame his establishment. So the man left. Later, the innkeeper discovered that he had turned away none other than Thomas Jefferson! He immediately sent a note to Jefferson asking him to return to the hotel and be his guest, to which Jefferson replied, "I have already engaged a room. I value his good intentions highly but if he has no place for a dirty American farmer, he has none for the Vice President of the United States."We should never disregard the value or worth of those who have little in this world or show partiality to those who have much. The Creator of the Universe was born into a family that was poor in the eyes of society, but God found them worthy to raise His own Son.Let us show the love of Christ to all without partiality because oftentimes it is those with little to speak of in this world who have much stored up in heaven.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Ps. 68:19Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.Selah

Long ago, there ruled a wise and good king in Persia who loved his people and often dressed in the clothes of a working man or a beggar so he could visit the poor and learn about their hardships. One time he visited a very poor man who lived in a cellar. He ate the coarse food the poor man ate and spoke cheerful, kind words to him. He later visited that poor man again and told him, “I am your king!” The king thought the man would surely ask for some gift or favor, but he didn't. Instead he said, “You left your palace and your glory to visit me in this dark, dreary place. You ate my coarse food. You brought gladness to my heart! To others you have given your rich gifts. To me you have given yourself!" 1

God gave us the gift of Himself when He sent His Son to this dark, dreary place. Have we accepted Him graciously and thankfully as the poor man did, or do we take this gift for granted? This Christmas season, let’s remember to thank Him for His most precious gift to us: Himself.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

As a child of God, often we look for help in the word of God but don’t know where to find it. One of the wonderful things about the “World Wide Web” you can find a lot of useful resources.

BibleGateway.com is a site that I stumbled onto while updating my blog. It’s a site that can be very useful to anyone seeking deeper meaning from the word of God. This site holds a vast amount of valuable information and study helps.

Here are just a few things the site has to offer: bible reading, bible on audio, reference guides, commentaries, and much more. You can use it on your own blog site along with other links they offer for free.

Please try this site and give me your feed back it’s awesome.

To see for yourself and experience all of its benefits, click the picture above or the link in the right column labeled “BibleGateway.com,” you’ll be amazed.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

“I Run to the Hills,” By C. Maggie Woychik is a wonderfully written book about a child of God’s pilgrimage and the many obstacles they face along life’s way. Maggie shares with her readers the trials, heartaches, difficulties, and life’s lessons she has experienced. Using these life learning experiences; she helps others as they climb slippery Alpine slopes.

As I started reading, I quickly learned this book was not one that could just be read, but had to be savored like a fine meal. Rich in life’s lessons and full of insight, I found myself reading, meditating, and then quietly alone with my Lord allowing Him to redirect my own life.

“I Run to the Hills,” will challenge your heart and make you examine yourself. It will force you to rethink your motives and actions for the Lord and His work. This book is a must read for any child of God who wants to achieve a closer walk with God.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Mark 8:38Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

A little girl sat beside her mother as she read her a story from one of her favorite books. While listening to her mother read she realized that her mother was wearing white gloves. She thought for a moment and could not remember a time when her mother didn’t wear gloves. This sparked the girl’s curiosity. When her mother finished reading the book she ask her a question, “Mother, why do you always wear those gloves?” Her mother replied, “Because my hands are ugly.” With a quizzical look on her face her daughter asks, “What do you mean they’re ugly?” “Well they’re all scarred and crooked, they’re just not pretty to look at,” was her tender reply. The girl asks her mother how it happened; her mother thought for a moment and then shared this story with her.

“When you were a lot younger, you were playing in the house with your puppy. You were having a good time when you backed into the heater. Your clothes caught on fire and you started to run. I caught you and forced you onto the floor and started putting out the fire with my hands. You didn’t get hurt, but while putting out the fire my hands received third degree burns. I had many surgeries to make my hands look better, but it only made things worse. I began to notice that others would look at my hands, turn their heads and whisper to those around them. I became embarrassed about my hands and started covering them up so no one would see them.”

Her daughter gently placed her hands in hers and said, “Can I see them?” Her mother was afraid that if she removed the gloves it would frighten her daughter. Trying to avoid the situation she replied, “They’re not pretty to look at they’re awful.” Not easily swayed her daughter continued to plea with her. Looking at her daughter, seeing the compassion in her eyes she slowly removed the gloves.

Watching her daughters face for any signs of fright, she was touched by what she saw. Her daughter slowly felt of her hands and then lifted them to her face. Her soft blue eyes welled with tears and gently flowed down her cheeks moistening her mother’s hands. Both their eyes met and her daughter said in a quivering voice, “Oh mother, these are the most beautiful hands I’ve ever seen. Please, don’t ever cover them again.” They both sat embracing one another in silent love.

Have you been embarrassed about sharing Gods love? Are you afraid others will whisper and talk about you? Jesus’ suffering was far greater than anyone can understand. He gave His all on the cross. So don’t be embarrassed to share with others what he has done for you. Let His scars show so others may see and feel His love.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Three sisters, ages 92, 94, and 96, live in a house together. One night the 96-year-old draws a bath. She puts one foot in and pauses. She yells down the stairs, “Was I getting in or out of the bath?”

The 94-year-old yells back, “I don’t know. I’ll come up and see.” She starts up the stairs and pauses. Then she yells out, “Was I going up the stairs or down?”

The 92-year-old is sitting at the kitchen table having tea and listening to her sisters. She shakes her head and says, “I sure hope I never get that forgetful.” She knocks on wood for good measure. She then replies, “I’ll come up and help both of you as soon as I see who’s at the door.”____________________Turning Points Magazine & Devotional June 2009 Pg. 46

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

My pastor while preaching one Sunday morning shared with the congregation a frightening experience he encountered as a child on the family farm. Early in the morning and as he turned over in his bed, he noticed a bright orange glow from his bedroom window. Jumping to his feet to investigate this unusual light, he ran to his window and saw the barn on fire. He rushed to his parent’s room, woke his father and told him what was happening. His father along with his older brothers rushed to the barn to release the live stock. Later that morning while looking over the damage, he noticed his prize hen had been killed in the fire. When they removed the hen, three little chicks emerged unscathed by the fire protected by a mothers love.

Most parents understand this sort of selfless love. When a little one is sick with fever, we’ll spend sleepless nights trying to comfort them, and if necessary take them to a doctor no matter the cost. Some mothers will risk their own life to save the life of their child. All mothers for a brief moment walk through the valley of the shadow of death, giving birth to a child whom they love dearly. On occasion a parent will even give an organ to extend the life of the one most precious to their heart.

There have been times in my life when I wasn’t aware of the danger that surrounded me. Hidden dangers the enemy had waiting for me, hoping to trap me and bring me into his snare. He’d lurk in the shadows, eager to bring me down into the pit of despair. Many times he tried to destroy my testimony for the Lord. Sometimes he would bring railing accusations against my character. He has tried to break up my family and leave it in shambles. The enemy has tried to make me question my love for the Lord. During these times of despair in my life, I’ve found shelter under his wings.

As a child of God, are you facing trials and dangers in your life? Do you feel that the devil has you in his sights? Is the pressure becoming insurmountable and you feel that it’s all about to end? Don’t give up, run to the out stretched arms of Jesus. He’s waiting to place you under his wings and protect you from all harm. His love to protect us was proven on the cross of Calvary.

Monday, October 5, 2009

And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

I remember as a child living in north central Texas, my brothers, sisters and I looked forward to summer vacation. One summer was particularly exciting to us; it was the summer we went to see our grandparents. You have to understand, we hadn’t seen them for more than four years.

The day had finally arrived for us to start our journey east. It would be a long and exhaustive trip traveling from Texas to North Carolina. One filled with excitement, restless moments, urgent bathroom breaks, and five kids cramped for space. One question that kept popping up amongst us kids was, “Are we there yet?” I think that must be a universal question that has been passed down from generation to generation.

This particular trip seemed to be more challenging than others we had taken. Along the way we experienced car troubles, my sister got sick, and all of us got a spanking at one time or another. But in the end it was worth it all to see the ones we love so dearly while spending time together with them.

As a child of God talking of our heavenly home stirs our emotions, brings about a feeling of excitement, and great anticipation. Some of the exciting moments in ones life on this journey home can be the salvation of a loved one or friend. It could be the announcement of the calling of God on your life. The union of a man and woman as husband and wife brought together by God. It could be the birth of a child who was given no hope of survival, but became possible by the intervention of a loving Lord. It could be the answer to a long awaited prayer.

The journey home can also be filled with pot holes, bad curves, drop-offs, and unexpected delays. Things like life-long sickness, untimely deaths, divorce, job loss, spiritual disappointments, and the feeling of failure. The trials we face while on our journey home can make us feel like throwing in the towel and giving up. We’ve all experienced it at one time or another in our life.

The two on the road to Emmaus experienced defeat after the one they expected to deliver Israel had been killed. They had given up, thrown in the towel, called it quits and were even discussing it on their way back when Jesus showed up. The burning presence of Christ started filling their hearts. Despair and doubt started to flee. A newness of life started filling their souls, giving them great comfort and hope, a new outlook on life and their journey home.

As a child of God, when the journey home feels hopeless and it seems there’s no help in sight, just remember Jesus is with us on our journey home.

Monday, September 21, 2009

A man walking to work one day noticed a little boy on the street corner with a box full of puppies. On the side of the box was a sign that read, "Methodist puppies for sale."

A week later the same man noticed the little boy with the same puppies. Realizing the sign had been changed from, "Methodist puppies for sale to Baptist puppies for sale," the man stopped to enquire about the change.

He ask, "Son, when I came through here last week the sign read; Methodist puppies for sale and now you have a sign that says Baptist puppies for sale.

"The boy responded, "That’s right."

The man asks, "Aren’t these the same puppies?"

The boy replied, "Yes sir."

The man asks with a puzzled look, "Well, what's the difference between last week and this week?"

The boy answered with a grin, "last week they couldn't see, this week their eyes were open."

Monday, September 14, 2009

James 1:3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Practically everyone loves diamonds, especially the ladies. If you don’t believe it, watch her face when presenting her with one.

I remember the first diamond I purchased for my wife to be, it was a promise ring with a diamond chip. Ok, so it wasn’t a cut diamond, but it was all I could afford at the time. When I gave her the ring and asked her to marry me, her face beamed with joy. I later learned in our marriage, that her aunt asked her for a magnifying glass so she could look for the diamond. Reflecting back to that time in our life, we both laugh at the moment.

What is it about diamonds that make them such a coveted possession? Is it the value of the gem? Could it be the brilliancy of its beauty? Maybe it’s the design or the prestige of owning one? Its cost can range from just a few dollars, to millions of dollars. Many people around the world desire this priceless gem. Its beauty has been displayed by royalty, and worn by the most meager of souls as a promise given. What ever it is that attracts us to it, the diamond is a gem that demands attention.

The diamond starts its arduous journey as a piece of coal. Subject to extreme pressure and heat over a period of years, later becoming a diamond in the rough. To the untrained eye it would appear to be nothing more than a stone, but to a gemologist it’s a jewel in the making. Not all diamonds make it to the display case of the jewelers to show forth its beauty, some are used for industrial purposes.

The creation of a beautifully cut gem like a diamond requires years of training and skill. With this knowledge, a Master Diamond cutter can transform what would appear to most as an ordinary stone, into a beautiful master piece for all to admire. First he examines the stone for any flaws that may obscure its beauty. If any are found, the stone will be carefully marked to remove them during the cutting process. Next he will draw a blue print of the master piece he’s creating. Once all steps have been completed, he will begin shaping the stone to bring out the beauty for which it was designed.

In the early stages of our development as a child of God, we were nothing more than an old chunk of coal. But through the fiery trails and pressures in our life, they start shaping us into a diamond in the rough. Then the Master takes us into his hands and starts cutting away the flaws, removing the rough edges, and places us on the cutters wheel. When all is finished, He will examine us for brilliancy, color, and grade; later to be sent to a jeweler and placed into a set for all to see.

If the trials of you faith are wearing you down, and it seems like there is no hope. Just remember, you are a diamond in the rough, placed in the Master’s hands. Let him bring out the best in you, so that all may see and glorify Him.

Monday, September 7, 2009

My wife and I recently received word of the passing of a dear friend and neighbor. We were in awe, and heart broken from the news. The words spoken earlier that morning from my wife continue to ring in my mind; “Louis she’s gone.” There were two other times in my life when those words rang out; the passing of my Dad, and my wife’s sister.

As the day passed on, I began to ponder memories of the past. You know, those wonderful times you had as a child or even as an adult; memories that seem like it was only yesterday. Like the time I was playing in the snow with my friends, when suddenly out of nowhere a snow ball hit me from behind. I turned to see who the sneak was that hit me, and there stood my dad grinning ready to throw another. That’s just one of the many fun memories I have of my childhood.

Other memories that come to mind are those that my dad taught me as a young man. Things like working hard for your keep; taking care of your family and keeping a good name. He often told me, “Son, you’re not rich, and the only thing you have in life is your name; so take care of it.” One of the memories of my dad is his love for fixing cars. He would often allow me to help by cleaning parts to the car, removing the engine, taking it apart and various other tasks involved in rebuilding engines. Because of his hard work, love for his family, and instructions in life; I too continue to pass these values on to my children.

The recent death of our friend caused me to think of the legacy she left behind for her family. Here was a single mother that had raised two girls without any help from the father. While this situation forced her to become independent and self-supported, she worked hard to provide them with the necessary things they needed in life. Because of this, both grew up to become fine ladies and are doing well for themselves and now have children of their own. One thing I noticed about her was her love for her girls, and especially for her grandchildren. This was evident by the love and support she gave for her family; legacies that I now see reflected in them.

Seeing the legacy she left for her family, and what my dad left for me, I think of 2 Timothy 1:5, When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. I wonder what kind of legacy I’m leaving for my children and their family. Will others be able to look back at my legacy and see God? Or will they say, my, my, my, what a shame? I hope the legacy I leave behind will be one that glorifies God. What about you? What kind of legacy will you leave behind?

Monday, August 31, 2009

One of the things I enjoy in life is working in my flower garden. I guess you could say I got that from my mom. Every day, usually early in the morning or late in the evening mom would work in her flowers. She’d walk around the house looking at every flower, inspecting every leaf and bloom looking for any early signs of trouble.

One thing she couldn’t stand though was a weed. If she saw any in her garden, she wouldn’t wait for it to take good root. She’d take her little spade and attack with a vengeance, like a soldier on a mission rooting out the enemy. Dad on the other hand was just the opposite. He liked the beauty, but didn’t like the duty.

I remember one year when we moved to a new house. The house was a large three bed room home, and had plenty of room to play outside; just what we wanted. There was one problem though; the plants and shrubs around the house were overgrown badly. I knew what our task would be based on the conversation my mom and dad was having; we were going to be on weed detail.

The next morning after eating a good breakfast, we marched out the door to start the arduous task of removing weeds. Mom dispatched each of us kids to different locations to get the job done quicker. Dad on the other hand, stood on the side line and watched while mom and we kids did all the work. He was moms back up for us kids, when she needed us to tighten up and get on the ball.

I was pulling away at the weeds thinking I was doing a good job, when mom came over to inspect. She stopped me and informed me that I needed to pull them up by the roots, otherwise they would come back and make the garden look ugly and she didn’t want that. Well like most kids I responded by saying, “Yes mama,” and continued pulling weeds. What mom didn’t know though was; when I got to one that wouldn’t come out of the ground by the root, I’d just break it off at the ground and cover it up. We finished the yard work by the end of the day and what a transformation.

A couple of weeks later when coming home from school, something didn’t look quite right around the outside of the house. As I entered the house, mom stopped me and asks me to come outside with her. As we walked around the house, she pointed out the weeds that had grown in the flowers. I had been nabbed, the roots that I had left had come back to haunt me. Well, after a long lecture, and a few grueling hours of weed pulling supervised by my mom, I had learned my lesson.

Looking back at those days and even now working in my own flower garden; I can see how roots from weeds left unattended can spring forth and steal the beauty of the flowers. In the word of God we read, “…lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” (Hebrews 12:15b). Therefore as a child of God, we shouldn’t allow the root of bitterness to stay buried in our hearts; it will one day spring forth obscuring the beauty that God has intended for us to be. So take the time and ask God to help you “Dig up the Roots” in your life today.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Mark 4:39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

As a child living in the North Central part of Texas, in an area known a Tornado Alley; I’ll never forget the first severe thunderstorm of my life. My brother and I were playing outside; it was typical hot 107 degree day. The noon sky was beautiful and blue, and not a cloud as far as you could see.

As the day lingered on and unknown to us; off in the distance on the horizon a monstrous storm was forming. We continued to play, fight, and argue like most siblings do over nothing. Suddenly without warning I noticed the wind began to pick up, the sky turned dark and began rolling like a bubbling caldron. The rain started falling in large drops with such ferocity, that when it hit your bare skin it stung like little needles. That was one time Mom didn’t have to tell us to get out of the rain.

While my brother and I stood on the porch watching the rain; I noticed these round white objects falling out of the sky the size of a quarter. I later found out that it was hail. Off in the distance we could hear the sound of the siren from the fire house. I had no idea at the time it meant a tornado was in the area. Mom came to the door and told both of us to get into the house and go down the hall. I knew something was wrong by the urgency in her voice.

Later that evening after watching the news with my parents, I realized what had happened. Not far from where we lived, a tornado had touched down and destroyed several homes in the area. Fortunately no one was killed or injured.

Jesus instructed His disciples to get into the boat so they could go to the other side. As they started across the Sea of Galilee, all was well, no one even thought of any impending danger, especially with Jesus on board.

Suddenly out of no where a storm began to threaten their lives. The winds began blowing violently, causing the sea to churn sending waves across the bow of the boat threatening to send them to the bottom. Seeing their lives in danger they cried out, “Master carest thou not that we parish?” (Mark 4:38) Jesus stood and said, “Peace be still…” and suddenly there was a calm came over the sea, and in the lives of His disciples.

Many times we face natural storms like hurricanes or tornados. Some we can prepare for in advance with plenty of warning; others happen suddenly without warning. As a child of God we also face spiritual storms. Some we see on the horizon, others form suddenly. When these spiritual storms come our way, and it seems that all may be lost just remember; Jesus is with us in the storm, and he is the peace speaker.

Friday, August 14, 2009

As a child I remember being scared of the dark. My family and I would go the theater, watch a scary movie, then return home in the dark and my Dad didn't help matters.

Afraid that something might get us in the dark . My brother and I would argue over who would turn on the light, and later turn it off again once we were in bed.

One night while getting ready for bed, my Dad had slipped out of the house...or so I thought. Little did I know; he had slid under my bed patiently waiting for his intended victim?

I arrived at my bed, and turned down the covers preparing for the mad dash I would make from the light switch to the bed; then suddenly a hand came from under my bed and grabbed me by the ankle. Well, you know what happened next. I screamed, jumped, and I thought I was a goner.

The light in our bed room brought great comfort in a room full of darkness; not knowing what may be lurking around the corner, or under the bed. Many times as a child of God, we face different challenges of darkness. It may be the uncertainty of family illness, finances, or future events; the list can go on and on.

The light available to us as a child of God, bringing us comfort in a world of darkness is the Word of God. His word says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Ps. 119:105)

His word is, "A lamp unto my feet..." The light of His word shines directly at our feet allowing us to see any eminent danger. It is, "A light unto my path." This sheds light into a dark and dreary world, allowing us a look into the future and preparing us for what may be ahead.

Jesus is our light, our hope, and our comforter. So don't be afraid of this dark world; remember to turn on the light switch of the word of God.